La Route des Saveurs Maritimes: An iodized road-trip to Marennes - Oléron
This weekend, we're off to Marennes-Oleron for a gourmet road-trip. With your hair blowing in the wind and a good address in your rear-view mirror, you're all set for the vacations. We've selected 7 unmissable spots along the Route des Saveurs Maritimes, for a weekend of ocean-flavored road-tripping.
Stage 1: Visit the Cité de l'Huître
Oysters are the star of summer or of your festive meals, but do you know how they are harvested? What gives them their distinctive taste? At the Cité de l'huître de Marennesyour itinerary begins. From hut to hut, along an educational trail, young and old alike discover the ecosystem that surrounds this local star! End your discovery with a 100% local tasting experience, right on the water, in the restaurant adjoining the site.
Stage 2: Lunch overlooking the clear water at Omer's cabin
Barely 2 km up the mountain, it's already time for a break at the cabane Omer's. Order directly from the bar, and all that's left to do is settle in for a unique tasting of the famous local oysters, Fine de Claire and Pousse de Claire, the only Label Rouge oysters in France! There's no fuss here, just a convivial atmosphere in which to savor these typical products, harvested directly from the sea to the plate. A plate, a glass to share in good company in the heart of unspoilt nature, with a front row seat to the sunset or a summer concert. What if this was the secret to happiness?
Stage 3: Tour of the Cocollos oyster production site
Next stop is Bourcefranc - Le Chapus, just before the viaduct leading to the island of Oléron. Here you'll discover a rather unusual oyster production site. Halfway between Marennes-Oleron and Ireland, Jacques and Yvonne Cocollos offer you oysters from these two great maritime terroirs! Take a stroll through the oyster beds and follow the different stages of maturation developed by this family-run business. All that's left for you to do is get down to the Cocollos shack and try out a plate of these seafood delicacies from across the Channel.
Stage 4: A stroll along the oyster route and its cabins
All aboard, Simone! We're driving with our windows open, in the direction of the famous oyster route. We're off for a drive along the wild, unspoilt west coast of the Ile d'Oléron, the historic oyster-growing route of the region. One of our favorite places to stroll and take a deep breath of Oleron air. Stop off at the Port de La Baudissière and stroll past its colorful oyster huts. Today, local artisans have given them a new lease of life, displaying their made-in-Oleron creations.
Stage 5: Visit to the Fort Royer site
Continuing due north towards the La Perrotine channel, on the site of Fort Royer. Let yourself be charmed by the authenticity of this small, traditional oyster-farming village, right in the heart of the Moëze - Oléron nature reserve! Led by passionate volunteers, you'll be immersed in the world of oyster farming. Stroll between the oyster beds, learn to recognize the environment that shapes Marennes-Oleron oysters... You'll learn all their secrets!
Stage 6: Visit the port of La Cotinière and its fish auction
The largest port in Charente-Maritime, the port of La Cotinière is THE seafood capital of Marennes-Oleron. Twice a day, the port comes alive with fishmongers' stalls filled with nearly 90 different species of fish, depending on the season! Once you've filled your basket, you can gather along the harbor for a coffee with friends, and savor the infectious effervescence of the fishermen and merchants who bring this pretty fishing port to life. Don't miss the guided tour for an authentic and intimate discovery.
Stage 7: Share an éclade with friends
Before you put the final brakes on your journey, don't miss the traditional éclades at the prettycabane du Bord à Bordin Boyardville! For those long summer evenings, this typically Olivetan recipe is perfect for sharing with friends or family. How does it work? Cleverly arranged in regular circles, the mussels are then covered with a thick coat of pine thorns, which are then flambéed, giving them an incomparable taste. All that's left to do is settle in, enjoy the serenity of the setting, and remake the world with a drink in hand!
Feel like setting sail again? Discover all our good addresses on the Route des Saveurs Maritimes!
See also
Recommendations for a successful holiday with friends or family
